Pune District Collector Takes Charge: Investigating ‘No Water, No Vote’ Protest in Khairewadi Slum
Pune, 10th April 2024: Responding to the grievances voiced by residents of Khairewadi in Shivajinagar, who recently displayed banners proclaiming ‘no water, no vote’, the Pune district collector has taken proactive steps by instructing the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to investigate the matter. With the Lok Sabha elections in full swing, the water scarcity issue in Khairewadi has captured significant attention.
Spanning 16,349 square meters, Khairewadi accommodates 476 authorized dwellers. However, inadequate water supply, attributed to technical challenges in completing the water pipeline from an overhead tank near Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), has fueled discontent among residents. PMC officials cite ongoing technical issues as the cause of the delay in finalizing the supply line.
With more than 2,000 eligible voters residing in Khairewadi, the water crisis has raised apprehensions regarding its potential impact on voter turnout. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has underscored the imperative to enhance voter participation, prompting the district collector to promptly address the issue.
Presently, PMC is tackling the water shortage by dispatching three to four tankers daily and rerouting water from the SNDT overhead tank. However, residents continue to grapple with inadequate water pressure. Efforts are underway to bolster the water supply from the SPPU overhead tank, offering prospects for a resolution in the near future.
PMC officials emphasize the importance of removing the ‘no water, no vote’ banners once the issue is resolved, signaling the community’s contentment with the measures taken. Subsequently, a comprehensive report will be submitted to the district collector, ensuring transparency and accountability in tackling the water crisis.
